Walking Tour along the Slovak Amber Road - Vah River Basin

Highlights of the trip

Terchova - large village in Zilina Region, located in northern Slovakia

The village lies in a valley in the Small Fatra mountains. Terchova is birthplace of Juraj Janosik, who is commonly referred to as a Slovak Robin Hood.

Vratna Valley - the most favourite valley in Small Fatra mountains

Vratna valley is one of the most visited tourist and ski destinations in Slovakia. Ski resort Vratna is situated from 600 to 1550 m EASL and offers 16 ski slopes. It is also popular for cross-country skiing conditions.

Velky Rozsutec - very noticeable mountain situated in Small Fatra National Park

Velky Rozsutec (1610 m EASL) is characteristic with limestone walls forming a pyramid peak. The most majestic view of the Rozsutec is from the village of Stefanova (625 m EASL) located 3 km west, starting point of green marked trail to the peak.

Janosikove diery - system of canyons and gorges in Krivanska Mala Fatra

They consist of three integrated parts: Lower holes, New holes and the Upper holes. The beauties of the valley were formed by the stream. The holes include more than twenty waterfalls.

Orava Castle - dominant of Orava region

situated on a high rock above Orava river. Many of scenes from the famous vampire horror movie Nosferatu (1922) were shot in Orava Castle.

The National Nature Reserve is accessible by hiking, climbing and biking. Rocky crags take the shape of towers, cones, needles, gates, and some rocks even resemble figures or animals.

Maninska Gorge - created by the Maninsky brook

Moist microclimate high rock walls and cliffs enables the occurrence of mountain species and flora and fauna in a small altitude.

Lietava Castle - an extensive castle ruin

Offers wonderful view of the surrounding area of Zilina. The castle was built in the 13th century. Its well preserved parts undergo reconstruction.

Strecno castle - on the left bank of river Vah, close to Zilina town

Strečno Castle on top of the massive limestone rock was in the past the safest fort in the Vah region. The castle existed in the first half of the 14th century. The castle was to safeguard the toll collection at a ford through the Váh river in the region. The castle was extended and altered several times, whereas it had the largest area in the 17th century when it reached the status of the castle with best fortifications in the Central Vah region. At the present there is a museum in the castle with an interesting exposition and spectacular views from the tower.